Aix-en-Provence: A Provencal Masterpiece

Aix offers a collection of distinguished hotels, each providing a unique sanctuary.

• Le Pigonnet: This elegant country house seamlessly combines 18th-century refinement with a contemporary style. Its two-acre garden, complete with a pool, provides a verdant oasis just moments from the city's bustle.

• Villa Gallici Hôtel & Spa: An exquisite hideaway in the heart of Provence, this hotel features an outdoor pool, a tranquil garden, and a spa, all imbued with classic Provencal charm. Its impeccable service makes every stay feel deeply personal.

• Chateau La Coste: Just a short, scenic drive (around 15-20 minutes) north of the city, in Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Chateau La Coste is more than a hotel; it's a sprawling 600-acre estate dedicated to wine, art, architecture, and wellness. It’s a compelling destination in itself, offering two distinct ways to stay:

• Villa La Coste: The original, ultra-private retreat with 31 villa suites, many featuring private pools. It’s a haven of contemporary design, where art installations by renowned architects and artists are seamlessly woven into the landscape and interiors. Its dining options include exceptional cuisine by chefs like Hélène Darroze.

• Auberge La Coste: Opened in March 2024, this new addition offers a more accessible entry into the estate's world. With 76 rooms, it provides an intimate, simple Provençal living experience, complete with its own restaurant, La Rôtisserie, and a charming pub-style bar.

Both hotels offer access to the estate's organic vineyards, art and architecture trail, and wine tasting experiences.

Aix's tables celebrate the rich flavors of Provence, often with a creative twist.

• Chez Thomé: This restaurant offers an experience akin to a timeless garden party. Its setting, with white wrought-iron chairs shaded by trees, perfectly complements a menu of simple, yet appealing classics. Expect dishes like vibrant salads with local specialties or a perfectly prepared fish of the day, finishing with a classic lavender crème brûlée.

• Le Four Aixois: For an authentic slice of local pizza, Le Four Aixois is a beloved spot, known for its traditional preparations and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.

• Restaurant Francis Mallmann (at Chateau La Coste): For a truly unique and fiery culinary experience, venture to Restaurant Francis Mallmann on the grounds of Chateau La Coste. This restaurant, led by the eponymous Argentinian chef, pays homage to every ingredient through an extremely precise cooking process, often involving open flames. It serves cuisine with real personality, reflecting the spirit of the estate: natural, fiery, and timeless. The menu is inspired by Argentinian traditions, with an emphasis on grilled meats and hearty dishes. It is open for dinner every evening, and for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

In 2025, Aix-en-Provence transforms into the epicenter of Cézanne 2025, a year-long celebration honoring its most influential son, Paul Cézanne. This is an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the life and work of the Post-Impressionist master.

• The Flagship Exhibition: "Cézanne au Jas de Bouffan" at Musée Granet: This is the must-see event, running from 28 June to 12 October 2025. The Musée Granet hosts this international exhibition featuring around 100 masterpieces, including about 90 paintings by Cézanne, with exceptional loans from major global museums. It delves into the 40 crucial years Cézanne spent at his family home, Jas de Bouffan, a period vital to his artistic development.

Note: Reservation is mandatory and highly recommended online through the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office.

• Atelier de Cézanne (Cézanne's Studio): Venture to the Lauves hill to explore Cézanne's final studio, preserved as a museum. This intimate space offers a unique glimpse into the artist's working environment, complete with his equipment, personal objects, and the distinct atmosphere where he created his last masterpieces. It's open daily, check hours for specific seasons.

• La Bastide du Jas de Bouffan: Cézanne's family home and a significant site of his inspiration, this bastide will also be accessible with new arrangements as part of the Cézanne 2025 celebrations, allowing visitors to walk where the master lived and painted.

• Artistic Routes: Discover the Route Cézanne, a historical path linking Aix to Le Tholonet, offering perspectives immortalized in his paintings. The Carrières de Bibémus, a major source of inspiration for Cézanne's landscapes, will also feature new trails.

Aix’s charm extends beyond its artistic legacy into its daily rhythms and timeless beauty.

• Market Life: Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant market culture. Larger markets animate the Cours Mirabeau and Place du Palais de Justice on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday mornings. The daily food market at Place Richelme is a sensory delight, brimming with fresh local produce. A charming flower market also blooms at the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville three times a week.

• Strolls & Fountains: Amble along the elegant Cours Mirabeau, the city's grand promenade, shaded by plane trees and dotted with historic fountains. Explore the Mazarin quarter's quiet streets and discover hidden squares.

• Local Indulgences: Do not leave Aix without sampling the famous Calisson d'Aix, a traditional almond-shaped candy that epitomizes Provencal sweetness. You might also discover local luxury brands like Rose et Marius, known for fine perfumes and home decor, capturing the essence of Provence.

84 Rooms recommends: A French Riviera Road Trip, and Where To Stay In Provence.